12-20-2009, 11:14 AM
The plot follows a magician named Corky (Early Anthony Hopkins performance) who succeeds only after he brings a raunchy ventriloquist dummy into his act (Not only bringing an "edge" to the washed-up magic show, but providing it a way to succeed on TV, despite not being able to misdirect a camera).
Unbeknownst to the public however, "Fats" is truly a manifestation of Corky's own split personality, who has given him a "charming" air in exchange for him never being able to real success among people. When Corky's agent offers him a chance at the big time, Corky refuses due to a mandatory medical exam he would have to take, and promptly "escapes" his problems by heading to his childhood home where he hopes to learn the whereabouts of a girl he once had a crush on. When Corky finds his old object of affection and reacquaints with her, it seems like it could be the start of a surprisingly beautiful relationship, but unfortunately "Fats" doesn't like the prospect of Corky having anyone besides him...
Not a real "masterpiece," but still my favorite film; effective horror well-balanced with a sweet (if volatile) love story. The direction is done by the director of Gandhi (Who was only doing this one for money, although very well!), and the score by Jerry Goldsmith, who creates a haunting main theme and many equally effective cues. Anthony Hopkins puts on a multi-layered performance as both the insecure Corky and his brash "dummy", Ann-Margret plays a concerned but not all that confident love-interest, Burgess Meredith plays a streetwise but caring agent and Ed Lauter plays a moody but down-to-earth husband; and everyone does a solid-or-moreso job.
I would rate this a 9.5, if not a 10/10 on the film scale in general, not just a great horror movie. If you haven't seen this I highly recommend it; it's slow but it's slowness contains foreshadowing and suspense, and once it gets into the action it is a highly engrossing if you ask me.
Unbeknownst to the public however, "Fats" is truly a manifestation of Corky's own split personality, who has given him a "charming" air in exchange for him never being able to real success among people. When Corky's agent offers him a chance at the big time, Corky refuses due to a mandatory medical exam he would have to take, and promptly "escapes" his problems by heading to his childhood home where he hopes to learn the whereabouts of a girl he once had a crush on. When Corky finds his old object of affection and reacquaints with her, it seems like it could be the start of a surprisingly beautiful relationship, but unfortunately "Fats" doesn't like the prospect of Corky having anyone besides him...
Not a real "masterpiece," but still my favorite film; effective horror well-balanced with a sweet (if volatile) love story. The direction is done by the director of Gandhi (Who was only doing this one for money, although very well!), and the score by Jerry Goldsmith, who creates a haunting main theme and many equally effective cues. Anthony Hopkins puts on a multi-layered performance as both the insecure Corky and his brash "dummy", Ann-Margret plays a concerned but not all that confident love-interest, Burgess Meredith plays a streetwise but caring agent and Ed Lauter plays a moody but down-to-earth husband; and everyone does a solid-or-moreso job.
I would rate this a 9.5, if not a 10/10 on the film scale in general, not just a great horror movie. If you haven't seen this I highly recommend it; it's slow but it's slowness contains foreshadowing and suspense, and once it gets into the action it is a highly engrossing if you ask me.
âThe Fright Night remake is a film which taps into the audienceâs deepest rooted fears, such as those of vampires throwing motorcycles at them. I dread the thought of a vampire throwing a refrigerator or a deskjet printer or... Iâd better stop before I give myself nightmaresâ
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